Distemper

JC died from distemper today, and we want to make sure Scratch doesn't get it. She was vaccinated for it a few years ago, and once again today. We've disinfected JC's food bowl, bedding, litter box but I don't think that's enough. Are there any other ways to try and prevent Scratch from getting distemper?

I am sorry for your loss. Distemper is a nasty and unfortunately hardy virus. You've done all you can do, your other cat has probably been exposed. Was JC a kitten? Kittens are more susceptible both to catching it and having a much more serious illness from it. Scratch probably had at least some immunity from his last vaccination. Vaccinations actually last longer than one year.

First of all - I am so very very sorry for your loss!!!

You need to let the shelter know - if this an outbreak they need to quaranteen all the cats and not take in any more new cats nor adopt out any of they current ones till this has been resolved!!!!

The shelter I volunteer for had an outbreak of distemper. We lost 2 mothers, & their litters, as well as several other young kittens. The procedure now(out of safety for the cats) is that until a cat has had 2 vaccinations, they are not let out of their cage. They can be let out of their cage one week after their 2nd vacciantion as they are considered UTD on distemper shots.

I honestly don't think there is a way to clean distemper out of your home.

Helen is right. It is very important that you let the shelter know. We had someone adopt out a kitten & they never told us when she died. If they had, we may have saved the lives of some of those kitties.

Please don't let JC's tragic death deter you from cosidering adoption in the future. I know it was difficult, having a new baby to love, but things like distemper are awful. I know it was heartbreaking to watch the shelter kitties die, I cannot imagine if it were my cat.

Originally Posted by Denice

I am sorry for your loss. Distemper is a nasty and unfortunately hardy virus. You've done all you can do, your other cat has probably been exposed. Was JC a kitten? Kittens are more susceptible both to catching it and having a much more serious illness from it. Scratch probably had at least some immunity from his last vaccination. Vaccinations actually last longer than one year.

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JC was 3 years old and Scratch is 5. Hopefully the immunity from today's vaccination will help somewhat.

Originally Posted by Hell603

You need to let the shelter know - if this an outbreak they need to quaranteen all the cats and not take in any more new cats nor adopt out any of they current ones till this has been resolved!!!!

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We went over to the Humane Society right after JC was put down and we told them.

Originally Posted by white cat lover

I honestly don't think there is a way to clean distemper out of your home.

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Oh no, if Scratch dies I honestly don't know what I'd do. She's the closest I've ever been to an animal. I'm hoping the vaccinations will help.. I cannot stand to lose another one of my furbabies.

I've heard that bleach works to kill the distemper virus.... just to be safe, I would throw out the bowls, bedding and litterbox along with any toys, etc the JC may have come in contact with.... I'm very sorry for your loss and lots of vibes that Scratch does not get sick also!

Bleach will help but it is not foolproof. Nor are the vaccines. There were so many shelters a few months ago that were dealing with distemper. Many cats were euthanized and lots died on their own. Shelter workers were also carrying the disease back to their homes where their own cats died. Even after precautions, distemper can stick around. I would not bring another cat into your home for at least 8 months. I would clean and bleach with hot water everything, and throw all cat stuff away including carriers. I am sorry, but that is what I would do. Also understand that you can do everything in your power to stop this virus and sometimes you just can't. I would also stop visiting the shelter where the cat came from just to be safe.


Good luck

Please...do what Hissy suggests.
She knows what she is talking about.

RIP JC

Originally Posted by hissy

I would not bring another cat into your home for at least 8 months.

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Scratch (her 5 year old resident cat) already lives there.

We lost a dog to distemper (my bad that he was not up to date on his vaccinations! ). We had company who's dog had died of it almost a week previously. These were clean people, but evidently they carried the virus on their shoes. Dog distemper is different than cat, and isn't passed between species, but they are very similar.

In addition to Hissy's suggestions, I would wipe off the bottoms of all your shoes, and mop all linoleum floors with a bleach solution. I would keep cleaning and mopping daily for now.

How is Scratch doing?

Originally Posted by Beckiboo

How is Scratch doing?

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She is doing fine, still begging for food 24/7, watching birds, following me around, tormenting the dog. All seems well.